In higher education, we routinely ask ourselves: What is the purpose of education? Why the pursuit of knowledge?
There are two men who could help answer those questions.
It is important to recognize and reflect on the contributions of prominent African-Americans to the American educational system.
While their educational philosophies differed as a source of scholarly study, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois were united in recognizing that education provided the avenue for African-Americans to advance personally, professionally and culturally.
Washington trained at the Hampton Institute and began his work at the Tuskegee Institute in 1881. The son of slaves, he grew up in the South. It was near the turn of the century, the 1890s, when the Industrial Revolution was reshaping American society, that Washington realized that African-Americans would need an educational plan to be part of the mainstream work force and not be left behind.
DuBois grew up in the North, a son of free parents. He went to college, traveled overseas and earned a doctorate from Harvard University in 1895. He advocated the importance of higher education and described in "The Talented Tenth" the importance of building a foundation of educated citizens upon which future generations would advance through the building of a leadership of professionals.
Both gentlemen became highly respected by their peers in educational circles because of their dedication to the development of an educational plan.
It should be noted that they were advancing their educational philosophies at a time when the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1896, Plessy vs. Ferguson, established the separate but equal doctrine. This remained the law until it was overturned by another landmark case in 1954, Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. Thurgood Marshall, a lawyer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, successfully argued that separate but equal was inherently unequal.
Washington and DuBois both had their supporters, but their advocacy required courage, commitment and a belief in the importance of building future generations. I believe it is important to acknowledge their contributions and recognize the struggle they faced in trying to advance an educational plan for African-Americans.
They had antagonistic agendas and strategies, but they both recognized that the economic success of a culture and society was dependent upon access to an education program with a sound curriculum and resources.
Black History Month celebrates the diversity and contributions of the African-American people to our country. America is becoming an ever-more diverse society. The increasing technological advances and economic challenges of the future require an educated and trained work force.
We constantly are reminded that we enjoy many benefits and that it is usually due to the efforts of great men. While there are many who could be remembered, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois should be honored as examples of leadership in America.
Michael E. Hooten is regional dean of Texas Tech School of Allied Health at Amarillo.